The Sketching Lesson

The Sketching Lesson, now in Sheffield, depicts an instructive scene between artist and pupil that may reference the artistic education of young women in eighteenth-century France. Drawing was considered an essential accomplishment for well-bred young women, alongside music and needlework. The bravura brushwork—rapid, swirling strokes building luminous effects—was applied alla prima onto canvas primed with warm ochre grounds, a technique Fragonard developed after studying Tiepolo in Venice.

The intimate composition focuses attention on the interaction between teacher and student, with Fragonard's characteristic warm palette and fluid brushwork creating an atmosphere of quiet concentration.